Edo/Ondo poll: Journalists to get unchecked access to voting, collation centres

The Independent National Electoral Commission has promised journalists unimpeded access and enhanced security for voters and personnel in the Edo and Ondo governorship elections.

INEC has scheduled the Edo State governorship election for September 21, 2024, and the Ondo State election for November 16, 2024.

INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, said this during INEC’s quarterly consultative meeting with media executives on Wednesday in Abuja.

He urged journalists to continue combating fake news ahead of the elections.

He stated, “It is now 51 days to the Edo State Governorship election coming up on Saturday 21st September 2024. Our preparations are going on in earnest.

“I am glad to report that we have recovered from the torrential rainfall that resulted in the severe flooding of our State Headquarters in Benin City two months ago.

“The damage to the physical infrastructure as well as movable and immovable facilities are being fixed or replaced.

Yakubu stated that political campaigns by parties and candidates are actively ongoing in both Edo and Ondo States.

He expressed concern over a recent incident in Edo State that led to the death of a security personnel but noted that no further incidents have been reported since then.

He added, “Nevertheless, the commission will meet with the security agencies as early as Friday this week under the auspices of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.

“I want to assure you that security in Edo and Ondo will be a major issue for discussion at the meeting.

“We are as concerned about the safety of your personnel and equipment just as we are about the security of our officials, observers, service providers, and, above all, the voters. We will also work with the security agencies to ensure that accredited journalists are granted unimpeded access to all voting and collation locations.

In his comments, the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Chris Isiguzo, reaffirmed the media’s commitment to supporting INEC in maintaining electoral integrity.

He emphasised that the media will continue to collaborate with INEC to promote a transparent, accountable democratic process that reflects the people’s will.

He also highlighted that the partnership between INEC and the media is essential as Nigeria approaches the off-season gubernatorial elections in Edo and Ondo.